Baby’s Thrush and Diaper Rash
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Samantha
Posted on: May 01, 2005

My three month old daughter has thrush. I am currently breastfeeding her. The thrush has shown up in her cheeks and also on her bottom as a diaper rash. My nipples have also been red and sore and itchy. Now my daughter has a rash on her elbows and her stomach and back, her elbows look the worst. I have tried nystatin, but that made her fussy. I have also used Gentian Violet, which makes it go away, but it comes right back if I stop using it. I am currently watching my diet very closely and am cutting out all dairy, sugar and yeast products. What herbs can I use for both of us as I know we both need to be treated or it won’t go away? And what other foods should I avoid?

Usually, the best way to treat the baby is though the motherīs breast milk. The herbs are modified by the motherīs liver before going to the breast milk, so are very safe for the baby. Use teas or tinctures that are antifungal. Calendula is one of the best herbs for this. You can make a tea of the dried flower petals to use as a wash for your breasts, and take a cup of tea or half a teaspoon of a tincture, three times daily. Add water to the tea, making a weak bath for babyīs rash.

Foods that you should avoid include dairy, yeast, sugar and alcohol. All breads should be eliminated. An acidophilus supplement for Mom helps to populate the digestive tract with good bacteria, helping to eliminate the unwanted organisms. Fresh fruit and vegetables and fish should be maximized in your diet.

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